The Top 100 Songs of 2021: 30 - 21

2021 has been an interesting year for music as a whole. While it lacked the utter stand-outs of 2020, it was arguably one of the most consistent years for music in memory. As a result, I noted that a top 50 countdown for global releases would not really cut it, and instead opted for a much more ambitious top one hundred countdown, and even then I had to leave some stunning releases, with the honorable mentions and more remaining stacked.

It was a balanced year, with my top 10 featuring artists from Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, America, Kazakhstan, and India. This alone provides some major spoilers but shows how balanced this year was. While there was not a single 10/10 song this year, there were several highlights. Now let us get into the requirements to be on this list!

• The song must have been released between January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021, though exceptions will be made at times.
• Any song from any nation is allowed.
• Instrumental and vocal tracks are allowed, but classical music is not allowed.
• B-Sides and singles count.
• Soundtracks are also included.
• This list is my personal opinion.

With that said, let the lists begin!

30. Rolling Quartz - Blaze

Rock and punk has largely been restricted to males in Korea, making Rolling Quartz' debut even more impressive. However, it stands out on its own with its stunning melody and freeing lyrics, exploding in one of the year's most memorable refrains. (Full Review)

29. Shaun - Closed Ending

Ripping off its structure and melody straight from Shaun's own 2017 mega-hit Way Back Home, Closed Ending thrives on its function just as its title suggests. Few songs told a concluding tale as this Spring-ready record, leaving the listener ready to let go from the past. (Full Review)

28. Tomorrow X Together - OX1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) Ft. Seori

More than any other modern act, Tomorrow X Together, better known as TXT, have expressed teenage emotions, joy, hope, sorrow, and frustration better than anyone else. With I Know I Love You, TXT, their lyricists, and their composers all showed an innate understanding of the desperation in young love. The chorus absolutely explodes with melodic and melancholic despair, morphing into a full sing-along for every to go along in. (Full Review)

27. Ryuji Imaichi - Future Lovers

Most artists opting for '80s synth-pop sound it as a sort of pastiche trend, one of mere imitation upon existing melodies. Few have inherited the atmosphere, ambition, and dreams of the era as much as Exile Tribe singer Ryuji Imaichi on his stunning Future Lovers. Telling the story of a romanceless love via an android analogy, one can hear the desperation in Imaichi's voice as he admits he is nothing without this love, no matter how detached and broken. (Full Review)

26. Dewa Budjana - Blue Mansion Ft. Simon Phillips, Carlitos Del Puerto, Gary Husband

At heart, Indonesian guitarist Dewa Budjana is a jazz artist, and few songs on his new album show this as much as Blue Mansion. While not the most ambitious, the chugging guitar riff is guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days, working well with Gary Husband's electric keyboard performance.

25. Miyavi - I Swear

Trust Miyavi to heal all our wounds from the past few years with one of the most hopeful songs of contemporary times. From the chugging rock beat to the hopeful melody, everything in I Swear is on full fire, letting us return and reflect strong than before. Pair this with easily some of the best lyrics of the year to provide an instant gem. (Full Review)

24. ATEEZ - Take Me Home

It still remains shocking that Take Me Home was never promoted or acknowledged as a single. It lies still perfect for a wider audience, being on-trend, having an English version, as well as fitting perfectly within ATEEZ' discography. The haunting city pop song about being lost in the maze of your mind remains one of the group's best songs, with each and every turn providing something memorable. (Full Review)

23. Epic Mountain - Alien Horror

Tracks for Kurzgesagt this year peaked with the fantastic dark forest soundtrack Alien Horror. Jungly, explorative, and curious like no other track this year, Alien Horror stands as a highlight in Epic Mountain's burgeoning soundtrack discography, telling a fantastic story of hope over its nearly 12-minute runtime.

22. U-Know - Need You Right Now

An unpromoted b-side from this TVXQ member's early-year return, Need You Right Now earns no points for uniqueness. However, U-Know provides a level of respectable showmanship throughout the entire track. The melodic, synth-driven atmosphere works fantastically with U-Know's dreamy, hopeful voice in addition. It leads to a double-melody climax, closing the track on a legendary high. (Full Review)

21. Joel Corelitz - Through the Trees

343 Studios have been looking for a suitable successor to Marty O'Donnell and Salvatori ever since their departure from the Halo series. With the Halo Infinite team, consisting of star composers such as Gareth Coker, they finally have found their match. With the new walking through the woods variant, Corelitz creates a dreamy instrumental track, heavenly yet deadly.